Chapter 1

What follows are the words of the Preacher, Son of David, and King of Jerusalem

2

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher, vanity of vanities; vanity is everywhere

Depending on how you interpret the word Vanity this book can be seen as very Nihilistic, I took it to mean vainglory but I think that someone else should make that decision final

3

What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

What does man have to show for all of his earthly work?

I assume earthly is what under the sun means

4

One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.

One generation follows another; the Earth outlasts them, unchanging and for ever.

Capitalized earth, maybe I should not have, perhaps it meant dirt

5

The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.

The sun also rises, and the sun sets, and hastens to where it arose from.

6

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.

The wind blows to the South, then turns to the North; it whirls about continually, returning on its own time, in its own way.

7

All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.

All rivers flow into the oceans; yet the oceans are not full; back to the headwaters of the rivers, the water returns.

8

All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

All things work in harmony; but we cannot adequately express this: our eyes do not find fulfillment in merely seeing; our ears are not fulfilled by hearing.

The first section of this line needs work, I don't understand what it means.

9

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

The way things were in the past will be the way things are in the future; what has been done before will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

I kept it "nothing new under the sun" rather than changing it to earthly, primarily because it is such an iconic quote.

10

Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

Is there anything of which we can say, "Look, this is new"? All things are old, all was done before us.

11

There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

We do not clearly remember the past; neither shall our future be remembered by those born after those times.

12

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

I am the Preacher, I was the King of Israel in Jerusalem.

13

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

I was passionate about seeking out wisdom concerning all things that are done in the earthly realm: God has given this obligation to the sons of men to be done as His will.

14

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

I have seen everything that is done here on earth; and see, it has amounted to nothing but vanity and vexation of the spirit.

I took vexation to mean an attempt to confuse and satisfy the cravings of the spirit, but did not know how to write that with out the language becoming stilted and awkward

15

That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

That which is crooked cannot be straightened; the things which are wanting cannot be counted.

16

I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

I searched within my own heart, and considered that I have amassed great wealth, and have gained wisdom beyond any who lived in Jerusalem before me: yes, my heart has experienced great wisdom and insight.

17

And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

I spent the passions of my heart on seeking wisdom and understanding madness and folly: I realize now that this is also a vexation of the spirit.

18

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

I have found grief in my wisdom; as one's knowledge grows so does one's sorrow.

Chapter 2

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.

I said to myself, "Go and amuse yourself, enjoying the pleasure it brings: and see, this too is selfishness.

2

I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?

I realized that such silliness is mad, and of amusement, what does it accomplish?

3

I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

I tried to give myself over to drunkenness, while seeking wisdom. I tried to avoid trouble until I could see what is good for men, to see what they should do with their time here on Earth.

4

I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

I did great things; I built homes; I planted vineyards.

5

I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

I had gardens and orchards planted, and they contained trees bearing many kinds of fruit.

6

I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:

I had ponds constructed, to irrigate the orchards.

7

I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

I acquired servants and maidens, and servants were born in my estate; I had vast holdings of cattle both large and small, which were greater than any held within Jerusalem before me.

8

I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

I amassed silver and gold, and other kingly treasures. I hired men and women to sing for me, and sought out all of the things that men have made for pleasure, such as all sorts of musical instruments.

9

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

I was great, and amassed more treasure than all those who came before me in Jerusalem; through this I remained wise.

10

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

Whatever I desired I acquired, I did not deny my heart any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all that I did: and this was what I achieved in my life at that point.

I don't know how to do the last part of this verse

11

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

Then I looked upon the accomplishments of my life, and on the efforts I applied to bring them about: and see, all of it was selfishness troubling to my soul, and there was no true worth to it at all.

12

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

I looked within myself, finding wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can a mere man do that follows the accomplishments of the king? At most only what has already been done

I think the second part is about humility - the best of a man's efforts pales against what God has already done, and at our best we are only emulating Him.

13

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

Then I realized that wisdom conquers folly, in the way that light conquers darkness.

14

The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

The wise man looks about and keeps an open mind; but the fool wanders in darkness; and I also realized that the world presents the same realities to them both

I took this to mean that reality is what it is for all, so you can face it with an open mind or wander aimlessly through life in foolishness.

15

Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.

I realized that it happens to the fool just as it happens to me; so what makes me the wiser? Then I realized that this also is vanity.

16

For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

The fool and the wise man will both be forgotten eventually; realizing that all that is in our future will eventually be forgotten. And how does the wise man die? Just as the fool does.

The wise and the foolish are both mortal.

17

Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Therefore I came to hate life; because all that we do in our lives seemed futile to me: for it all seemed to be vain and troubling to my soul.

18

Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

Yes, I hated all the works of my life: because I can only pass them on to the man that shall survive me.

19

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.

And who knows if he shall be a wise man or a fool? Regardless, he will take over all of the estate that I have built, which came from wise choices I made in my life. This is also vanity.

20

Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.

This led me to despair, as I thought of all the work it took for me to get to this point in life.

21

For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

For a man can build much through wisdom, knowledge and fairness; yet his inheritance can pass to a man who does not live by these values. This too is vanity and a great evil.

22

For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

What does man have to show for all his life's work, and all the troubles that came with it, in the end?

23

For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

For all his days are sorrows, and his ordeals bring grief; yes, his heart finds no peace at night. This too is vanity.

24

There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should find spiritual satisfaction in his works. I also saw that this was God's will.

25

For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?

Who can eat, or provide more for himself than I can?

26

For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to a man He finds good in His judgment; but to the sinner He gives ordeals, to gather and accumulate, before He gives good things to him. This too is vanity and troubling to the soul.

Chapter 3

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Every thing has its season, and a proper time for every purpose:

2

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to be born, and a time to die: a time to plant, and a time to harvest;

3

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to Kill, and a time to heal; a time to destroy, and a time to rebuild;

4

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to throw stones away, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak;

8

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

9

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

What profit does man make from his labor?

10

I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

I have seen the ordeals that God has given to the sons of men to make them stronger.

11

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

He has made everything beautiful in His time: He has also placed an appreciation for the world in their hearts, so that men would not simply regard God's works dispassionately.

Not sure about his one, but it seems to capture the meaning

12

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

I know that there is no good in this, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

13

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his works, for it is the gift of God.

14

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

I know that whatever God does, it shall be done forever: Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken away from it: and God does this so that men should fear him.

I do not know if I quite got hold of this one

15

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

The way things were is the way things are now. The future will be like the past too; God requires this consistency.

16

And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

And I also saw an earthly place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and at the place of righteousness, that injustice was there.

No stock can be put in earthly things, even those which appear to be most just can and do harbor wickedness

17

I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

I said to myself that God will judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and every work.

18

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

I realized that where the material trappings of men were concerned, that God might expose them for what they are, so man would realize that when they are taken away they are as the other animals of His creation.

I revised this, because it seems like the original point is that God occasionally needs to humble us, so we see our proper place as one of His living creations.

19

For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

For that which happens to man happens to all His living creations; the same fate falls to them: as one dies, so does the other; yes, they all carry the breath of life; in that a man is no different that any of the animals created by God. For all is vanity.

20

All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

All of them go to the same place; all of them are made from dust, and all of them will become dust again.

21

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

Who understands that the spirit of man returns to God while the spirit of God's animals goes down to the earth?

22

Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

At this I realized that there is nothing better than for a man to rejoice in his own works, for that is his time to make a difference: for who could bring him to the future to see what would follow his life?

Chapter 4

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

So I returned and considered all of the oppression that takes place on earth. Those who were oppressed shed tears but were not comforted. Their oppressors had power, and they had no comforters.

2

Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.

At this I praised the dead for being dead, more than the living for being alive.

3

Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

You are better off having not been born and seeing no evil than either the living or the dead.

4

Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

I considered the trying ordeals again, and every correct action, and how men envy their neighbors for them. This too is vanity and vexation of the spirit.

5

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

The fool does no work and lives be eating what he already has.

6

Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

Better is a little with quietness than a lot with trying ordeals and vexation.

7

Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

When I returned I saw vanity.

8

There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

There is one alone, with no second. He has neither child nor brother. There is no end to his labor. His eyes are not satisfied with riches, and he does not ask for whom he is laboring, for whom is he denying himself pleasure? This is also vanity, it is a sore and trying ordeal.

9

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

Two are better than one, they have a better reward for their labor.

10

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

If one falls his partner can lift him up. If one sets out alone it is great trouble to fall, and have no one there to pick you up.

11

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

If two lie together then they will be warm in their bed, but how can you be warm alone?

12

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

If a man can defeat him two will be able to stand against this man. A rope of many chords is not quickly broken.

13

Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

A poor and wise child is better than and old and foolish king who will no longer be admonished.

14

For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

Out of prison he comes to reign, and those who are born in his kingdom will become poor.

15

I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.

I think of all those living on earth, which the second child who shall stand up to take the kings place.

we were drifting a bit far so I reanchored.

16

There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

The people stretch on endlessly, Both after and before him. Those who come after will not rejoice in him. Surely this too is vanity and vexation of the spirit.

Chapter 5

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

Keep on your feet when you enter the house of God, and keep an open mind but do not give sacrifice to fools. They do not pay attention to the fact that they are doing evil deeds.

2

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Do not speak rashly, and do not hastily speak to God. God is in heaven and you are here on earth, so let your words be few.

I don't know what to make of this.

3

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.

Just like a dream comes with many things going on, a fool may be known by their high word to substance ratio.

Is this what you want?

4

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

When you promise to give something to God then give it to him. God does not take pleasure in fools. Pay what you said that you would.

5

Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

It is better not to promise anything than to promise and not deliver.

6

Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

Do not talk yourself into a position where you will sin. Do not tell the angels that your vow was an error. If you do God will anger at the sound of your voice and may destroy the work that you have done.

7

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

In many dreams and many words there are many kinds of vanities, Fear God.

8

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

If you see oppression of the poor and a violent miscarriage of justice don't marvel at it. For God is higher than the highest power on earth, and he is there.

9

Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.

The profits from the earth are good for everyone. The King himself benefits from the resources from the field.

This line could be used to convey a truth about the economy, namely that manufacturing and resource production is the key to economic progress, not the spinning wheels of a service economy.

10

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

The man that loves silver will not be satisfied with silver. He will not love it when his silver is in abundance and increases. This too is vanity.

11

When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

When a resource is in abundance those that utilize it multiply. What good does it do the owners of the resource, except that they get to see them.

There may be something here about politicians multiplying and consuming our hard work.

12

The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

A laboring man enjoys his sleep, even if he has had little to eat. The abundance of a rich man will keep him from sleeping.

13

There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

I have noticed another earthly evil. Namely, when the rich hold onto their wealth to their own detriment.

14

But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.

That wealth will be lost to evil and trying ordeals. If such a man has a son he will have nothing to give him.

15

As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.

Just like you are naked when you come from the womb you will go away naked. You can't take your wealth with you when you die.

16

And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

It is an evil that man will leave this world exactly as he came to it. What profit does he have? He might as well have been laboring for the wind.

17

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.

All of his life he will eat in the dark, with sorrow and anger over his decisions.

18

Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

I have seen that it is good to eat and drink and enjoy your labor here on earth, for all of the days that God gave you. That is your portion here on earth.

19

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

To every man that God has given wealth and power he has given the means to enjoy them, and take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor. This is the gift of God.

20

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

He will not remember the days of his life well, God will have answered him in the joy he feels in his heart.

Chapter 6

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:

There is an earthy evil that I have seen to be common among men.

2

A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

When God gives a man a surplus of wealth, Treasure, and honor, so much that he wants for nothing, and God denies him the ability to enjoy it; strangers enjoy it in his stead. This is vanity, and is a great evil.

3

If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.

If a man has a hundred children, and lives many years, his years may be laboriously long, his heart may lack gratitude, and he may not be buried. An still birth is better than such a man.

4

For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.

It comes in vanity and leaves in darkness, and its name shall be covered in darkness.

5

Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.

It has not seen the sun, and does not know of such a thing. It has more rest than the man.

6

Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?

A man may live two thousand years, but what use is it if he never knows happiness. Don't we all go into the ground after we die?

This reflects a missing concept, namely heaven and hell. Hell denial?

7

All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

All of mans work is to feed himself, but he still grows hungry.

8

For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

What has a wise man got that a fool lacks? What does a poor man have if he knows to walk before the living?

9

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

What I see in the world is better than what my heart desires. This too is Vanity and Vexation of the spirit.

10

That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

Whatever exists already has a name, and man is one such thing. Man cannot contend with forces mightier than he is.

11

Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

There is so much that increases vanity. Does any of it make man better?

12

For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

Who really knows what is best for man, during the vain life that he spends like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will follow him here on earth?

Chapter 7

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

A good name is better than precious medicine; and the day of your death better than the day of your birth.

2

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

It is better to go to a funeral than a feast. That is how all men end, and the living will take this to heart.

3

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of one's appearance the heart is made better.

I take this to mean that expressing sorrow and sympathy for others in pain helps them to heal

4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

The heart of the wise man is as if he was at a funeral; but the heart of fools is partying.

5

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

It is better to hear criticism from the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

6

For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

The laughter of the fool is like the crackling of thorns beneath a pot. This too is vanity.

7

Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

Surely oppression makes a wise man mad; a gift can destroy the heart.

8

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

It is better to be at the end of something than at the beginning: and the patient man is better than the proud man.

9

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Do not be quick to anger, because anger rests in the heart of fools.

10

Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

Do not ask why things were better in the past. Because it is unwise to do so.

11

Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

With an inheritance wisdom can be helpful, and it will bring profit to those who live on earth.

12

For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

Wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense, the insight that comes with wisdom gives much to those who have it.

13

Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

Consider the work of God. Who can straighten something that he has made crooked?

14

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

When you have prosperity be joyful, but when you find adversity remember that God put it there so that man would not find anything after himself.

15

All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

I saw everything in the days of my vanity. Just men died in righteousness and wicked men lived in wickedness.

16

Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?

Don't be righteous over much, and do not make yourself too wise, it will destroy you.

17

Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

Do not be wicked, or foolish, why should you die before your time?

18

It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

It would be a good idea to listen to me. Don't pull back, following my advice will make you someone who fears God.

19

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

Wisdom makes the wise man worth more than ten strong men from the city.

20

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Every man on earth sins, and no man does only good.

21

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:

Do not listen to everything that is said, or you will hear your servants cursing you.

All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

I have proven all I have said with wisdom, I decided to be wise when it was beyond my power to become wise.

24

That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?

Who can find out what is far away and buried deep?

25

I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:

I resolved to know, to search, to seek out wisdom, understand the reason for things, to know the wickedness of folly and foolishness and madness.

26

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

I found that death is a bitter woman with a heart of snares and nets and hands like bands. Those who please God can escape her but she shall have the sinner.

27

Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:

Counting one by one , to find the account, I found this out, said the preacher

28

Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

Looking for what my heart seeks I found one man in a thousand, but a woman among them all I have not.

29

Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

I have found that God mad man upright, but that man has sought out many inventions.

Chapter 8

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.

Who is like the wise man? And who knows how to interpret a thing? Wisdom makes a mans face shine like the sun, and changes the boldness of it.

Added like the sun because it means shining as in glowing or beaming, not shining like and oily forehead.

2

I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.

I suggest that you keep the king's commandment, and do it in regard to the oath of God.

3

Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.

Do not rush to get out of his sight. Do not do any evil. He does whatever he pleases.

4

Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

When a king speaks there is power behind his words. Who may say to him, What have you done?

5

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

Those who keep his commandments will feel no evil. A wise mans heart discerns both time and judgement.

6

Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

To every purpose there is time and judgement, therefor a man's misery is great upon him.

7

For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

He does not know what will come: Who can tell him when it will be?

8

There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

There is no man with enough power over the spirit to retain it; He does not have power over the day of his death: There is no discharge in that war; and wickedness will not deliver those that are given to it either.

9

All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

I have seen all this, and applied my heart to every work that is done here on earth: there is a time when one mans rule over another hurts him.

10

And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.

I saw the wicked who came and went from holy places buried, and forgotten in the city where they did this: This too is vanity.

11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

The hearts of the sons of men are fully set to do evil, because justice is not delivered for evil works rapidly enough.

These two parts of the KJV make no sense together, tremendous grammatical ambiguity.

12

Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

A sinner may commit evil acts hundreds of times, and he may live a long time, but I absolutely know that those who show fear before God will be well.

13

But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

The wicked will not be well, however, nor will he prolong his days, which are like a shadow; because he does not fear God.

14

There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.

There is a vanity done here on earth; Something that the wicked do to just men; and righteous men do to the wicked too: This too is vanity.

15

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

I commended mirth, because men have nothing better here on earth than to ear, drink, and be merry: that will allow him to tollerate the days of work in the life that God has given him here.

16

When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)

When I applied my mind to seeking wisdom, and to see what is done on earth, because days and night do not sleep with their eyes.

word analysis said mind needed to be used more often to stress the intellectual side of the bible

17

Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.

Then I noticed all the work of God, so great that man cannot discover th extent of work done here on earth: A man may labor to seek it out, but he will not find it; even more, while a wise man might think he knows it he will not be able to find it.

Chapter 9

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.

I decided in my heart to say all of this because this is true; that the righteous, the wise, and their works are in the hands of God: no man knows love or hatred based on what is around him.

Please don't just change this back, the old way doesn't really work in modern English.

2

All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.

All things come in the same way to all: the same event occurs to the righteous and to the wicked both; to the good and the clean, and to the unclean; to the man that sacrifices, and to the man who does not sacrifice; as it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as it is for the man who swears, so it is for the man who fears to swear.

This seems to state that it seems unfair when bad things happen to good people, and vice-versa

3

This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

This is an evil common to all things done in this world, that events happen in the same way for all: yes, and sin also lies in the hearts of all men, it torments their hearts while they live, and after that they are dead.

4

For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

For the man that is still living there is still hope: a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

The living know that they will die: but the dead know nothing, and they will receive no more rewards; their memory is forgotten.

we remember solomon and he is dead, I think this refers to the memory that the dead possess, i.e. the dead do not remember anything.

6

Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

Their love, their hatred, and their envy perishes with them; and they will never again play a part in anything done here on Earth.

Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; because right now God is accepting your works.

8

Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

Let your clothing always be clean; and let your head be well-groomed.

Putting ointment on one's head back then was a way to control odors with a pleasant scent. Grooming isn't literal, but it makes more sense to modern readers

9

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

Live joyfully with your wife, whom you love all the days of your life, which He has given to you here on earth, all the days of your life: for that is your portion of this existence, and in your works while here on Earth.

10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all of your strength. There is no work, no device, no insight, nor wisdom in the grave, where you are going.

"What every you are be a good one" (I think that was Abe Lincoln)

11

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

I returned, and saw that in life the race is not always won by the swift, and that the battle are not always won by the strong, bread does not always go to the wise, riches do not always go to the smartest, nor does favor always go to the skilled; time and chance happen to them all.

12

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

A man doesn't know his time: just like fish that are taken in an evil net, and birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when suddenly it falls upon them.

13

This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:

I have observed this wisdom living here on earth, and it seemed profound to me.

14

There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:

There was a little city with a few men living in it; A great king came against it, besieging it, he built great bulwarks against it.

15

Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

Now there lived in that city a poor but wise man, who saved the city through his wisdom; yet that poor man was remembered by no one.

16

Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

Then I said, "Wisdom is better than strength; however, a poor mans wisdom is despised, and his words are ignored".

Best of the public reference?

17

The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

The words of wise men spoken softly are heard more that the cry of one who rules among fools.

18

Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

Wisdom is better than the weapons of war: but one sinner can destroy much good.

Chapter 10

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

Dead flies make the apothecaries ointment send forth a foul aroma, so does a little folly in a man who has a reputation for wisdom and honor.

2

A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

A wise man's heart is at his right hand, a fool's at his left.

serve from the right clear from the left?

3

Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

When a fool comes by, and says something foolish, he tells everyone that he is a fool.

4

If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

If a someone tries to force you out, stand your ground. Giving in pacifies great offenses.

5

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:

There is an evil on earth, an error that comes from a ruler.

6

Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.

Folly is sat at the head of the table while the rich sit at the foot.

7

I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.

I have seen servants on horses, and princess walking like servants.

8

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

If you dig a pit you might fall into it, and if you break into a hedge a snake might bite you.

9

Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

Removing stones may get you caught in a rockfall, and chopping wood may result in a tree falling on your head.

10

If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

If your tools are blunt and you do not sharpen them then you will have to work harder; wisdom helps you profit from your work.

11

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

If a serpent bites before it is enchanted then what good is it for the enchanter?

I think that is what this means

12

The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

The words of a wise man are worth much, but the fools will suffer at his own words.

13

The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

From the start his words are foolish, and in the end they are mischievous madness.

14

A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

A fool always has plenty to say, but no man can tell what will be, and who can tell him what will come after him?

15

The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.

The Labor of the foolish makes them all tired, they do not know how to seek help.

16

Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!

It is a horrible thing for a land to have a King who is only a child and have princes who eat before the work has been done.

17

Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

It is a blessing for a land to have a King who is the son of noble men, and princes who wait for the right time to eat, and then eat for strength not for drunkenness.

18

By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.

It is only with a lot of neglect that a building decays, with idle hands the house will collapse.

19

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

A feast brings laughter, and wine brings merriment, but money brings all things.

20

Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

Do not curse the King, don't even think about it. When you go to bed do not curse the rich. Because a bird in the air will sing out, and the bird with out wings will not.

Chapter 11

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Throw your bread on the water, you will find it after many days.

2

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

Give some to seven, and to eight, because you do not know what evil is in the world.

3

If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.

If the clouds are full of rain they will rain upon the earth. If the tree falls to the south, or north, the tree will be where it fell.

4

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

If you spend your time observing the wind you will not sow, and if you focus on the clouds you will not reap.

5

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Just like you don't know the way the spirit works, you don't how the bones of a child grow in the mothers womb. You certainly do not know the works of God who made them all.

Spirit used here as an improper noun I think

6

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

Sow your seeds in the morning, and in the evening sow some more. You do not know which seeds will prosper, if it is one, or the other, or both that will do well.

7

Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

The light is beautiful to behold, the sun is a pleasure to see.

8

But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.

If a man lives many years and enjoys them all he should still remember the days of darkness, there will be many of them. All that comes is vanity.

9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

Rejoyce young man, be greatful for your youth. Let your heart cheer for you in your youth, and follow your hear, and do what you see that there is to be done. But always remember that God will judge you for what you do during this time.

10

Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.

Do not harbor sadness in your heart, and do not sin with your body. Childhood and youth are vanity.

Chapter 12

Verse

King James Version

Proposed Conservative Translation

Analysis

1

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Keep your ming on God, your creator, in your youth; before the evil days come, before the years draw on, before you loose pleasure in life.

2

While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars begin to dim, and the clouds return after the rain.

3

In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

In the days when housekeepers will tremble, strong men shall bow down, When Grinders cease because they are few, and those who look out into the world grow dim.

I do not know what kind of grinder, perhaps it is a grain mill, I never made a study of the point.

4

And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

The people will bar their doors, the sound of grinding will be low, When men awaken to the sounds of birds but their songs grow faint.

5

Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

When they will be afraid of high things and places, and of the streets. The almond tree will flourish, and grasshoppers will descend, but loose his desire. The Man will die, and mourners will pass through the streets.

6

Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

Act before the silver cord is broken, before the golden bowl is broken, before the pitcher is smashed at the spring, or the wheel is broken at the well.

7

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Then the dust will fall back to the earth and the spirit will return to God, who gave it.

8

Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.

Vanity of vanities, said the preacher; all is vanity.

9

And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

The Preacher still taught the people and shared his insight, because he was wise; He thought about, searched for, and gave many proverbs.

10

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

The Preacher searched carefully for the right words to convey his meaning. What he wrote was righteous and true, showing great veracity.

11

The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

A wise mans words are like goads, their masters drive them like nails, they are given by the shepherd.

12

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Take this as a warning my son, writing many books is endless, and too much study weakens your body.

13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

To conclude the matter: Fear God and obey his commandment, this is your duty as a man.

14

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.